What You Won't Find at ProMat 2017

Among the most anticipated events in the material handling industry this year is ProMat 2017, held one week from today at Chicago’s McCormick Place, April 3^rd – 6^th.  With hundreds of exhibitors, seminars, on-hand demonstrations and more, ProMat provides manufacturing and supply chain professionals with an opportunity to discover the industry’s latest innovations.  

While the appeal of ProMat is undeniable, it should be noted that one of the most innovative and exciting developments within the industry cannot be found there: Stärke Material Handling Group.  With a constantly expanding product line, Stärke continues to establish itself as one of the most comprehensive material handling solutions providers in the industry with many recently released material handling products and others set to release throughout 2017.

“Stärke understands that expanding and improving upon your company creates and sustains interest in your brand.” Explains Justin Engel, Marketing Specialist at Stärke Material Handling Group. “Trade shows are a nice venue in which to make contacts and offer brief descriptions of your product, but the true measure of a brand is how it evolves with its customers to meet their needs head on.” 

As for networking opportunities, Stärke connects and unites an expansive network of dealers and service providers through our digital communities, social media initiatives and general activities.  Despite the growth and development of its dealership network in 2016, aided by the addition of a dedicated dealer development specialist in Rodney Barron, Stärke expects to not only continue, but build upon, its momentum in 2017. Remember, when you’re at the ProMat show this March, Stärke Material Handling Group is busy growing to serve you better. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and our website!


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www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

7 Years of Change - One Warranty: Stärke Manual Pallet Jack

What does a warranty say about a manufacturer’s faith in its products?  At Stärke, we believe a well-backed warranty provides a strong indication about the quality of our equipment and the strength of our commitment to customers and dealers alike.  Without this commitment, we wouldn’t offer an industry-leading, 7 year warranty on our manual pallet jacks.  This is something we do without concern for lost revenues or profits. 

Just to illustrate this point, I would like you to think back and consider all that’s occurred over the past 7 years, beginning with the year 2009.  What was going on in the world?  What were we watching in movie theaters?  What was happening on television?  What music were we listening to?

If you’re having difficulty remembering, let’s consider a few points:

• With the 2016 election cycle in full swing, it’s worth noting that it wasn’t until February of 2009 that Barrack Obama finished his first 100 days in the White House after taking office in November of the previous year as the U.S. made history by electing the first African-American president in U.S. history.
•  In 2009, a housing crisis in the U.S. combined with financial instability brought about the greatest economic recession since the Great Depression.
• H1N1 or the “swine flu” was seen as the next great pandemic causing a panic and fear across North America.
• Theatre audiences flocked to see the latest film in the Harry Potter series with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince while the adults watched a worthy Best Film of the Year winner in The Hurt Locker.
• In living across the North America, captive television audiences watched the first full season of Breaking Bad and the beginning of the end for Walter White, looked on as the Draper family began to disintegrate on Mad Men, and scratched their heads in confusion as the mysteries of Lost were finally revealed.
• In the world of sports, two of the most iconic franchises in North American sports – the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Lakers – won yet another championship to the delight and dismay of many. In the NHL, Sydney Crosby finally fulfilled his potential and won his first Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins while boxing fans saw Floyd Mayweather, Jr. return from retirement for a second time to face Juan Manuel Marquez.
• Both Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber were beloved symbols of youthful innocence.
• Teenagers and celebrities had yet to become hooked on the social media phenomenon that has become Snap Chat.  

As you can see, a lot can happen and change over a 7 year period.  So, if you're in need of a manual pallet jack, choose a Stärke, where you'll find that some things never change.  The holds true for all of our equipment, where our warranties stand above the competition.  

Thank you for reading my blog. Please remember to +1, like, share, comment and follow if you enjoyed this post!

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

Does Manual Lift Equipment Still Fit in the Modern Workplace?

With the leaves beginning to turn and the start of the school year long since past, we’ve decided to go back to the basics with an article on the most basic forms of material handling equipment: manual or hand-powered lifts and equipment.  At this point, you may ask yourself: why devote an entire article to such a topic?  After all, few fundamental changes have occurred to the basic designs or operation of these units for over 50 years. 

It's true that despite a long history with roots dating back to the industrial revolution – or, maybe, because of it – manual material handling equipment is often glossed over in favor of more advanced, powered units.  But this lack of attention belies the importance of manual lift equipment in many industrial and retail work environments.  Should you have an occasion to visit a nearby warehouse, manufacturing facility or retail operation, I challenge you to find one without a manual lift in some form or another, whether it is a manual pallet jack, manual straddle stacker or otherwise.

This is because manual lifts are, and will continue to be, an essential part of warehousing and logistics for any number of reasons.  The first, and perhaps most important, is the simplistic yet effective manner in which they were designed to function.  Due, in large part, to the absence of complicated moving parts – such as those found in an electric motor – manual lifts do not require extensive training or maintenance to operate on a regular basis, which make them ideal introductory units for low volume applications and/or inexperienced operators.  Rather than manually move boxes, loads or equipment to avoid the additional costs associated with powered units, manual lift equipment provides a simple and effective material handling solution.

This brings us to the second reason that manual lift equipment refuses to gently fade into the background: the cost.  For operations or businesses early in their development, or for those with low volume needs, it makes little sense to make an investment in a powered lift that isn’t completely necessary.  Without sacrificing functionality or quality, manual equipment options provide a solution with low acquisition and operational costs for the lifetime of the equipment.  Beyond regular lubrication and inspections, these units require little attention in most applications and may last decades longer than their powered counterparts.  

As you can see, there are many reasons to consider using manual lift equipment but, it should be noted, a major caveat applies to any point made regarding the cost of this equipment.  Despite the lower cost of ownership, there is an opportunity cost to be considered with these units, especially for higher volume operations, where faster and more efficient electric models offer greater throughput, productivity and efficiency, all of which are directly correlated with overall profitability.  In such instances, the added productivity of an electric unit more than justify the greater costs associated with their acquisition, operation and maintenance.

If many of these points remind you of your business or operation, consider Stärke Material Handling Group for your next equipment purchase. Our offering of manual material handling equipment includes a range of manual pallet jacks, as well as a manual and semi electric straddle stackers.  We would also like to know how you view manual lift equipment?  Will it continue to have a prominent place in the workplace as we continue the process of industrial automation?  Leave a comment below and join the conversation! 

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

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The Importance of a Well-Stocked Forklift Parts Inventory

Unnecessary downtime is a annoyance all fleet managers and forklift dealerships struggle with. Since it's a question of when, not if, damage and repairs will happen - whether caused by incidental damage, daily wear, negligence or a random accident - the goal becomes extending periods of productivity and minimizing instances of unnecessary downtime.

To accomplish these goals and keep your clients or business prepared to meet the challenges of your industry, be sure to follow a periodic maintenance schedule and keep a well-stocked parts inventory for all of your equipment.

With a well-stocked parts inventory, you'll be able to dramatically reduce the amount of downtime you experience as a result of repairs and maintenance. Instead of waiting on a third party supplier to find and ship the parts you require, repairs can be made the moment they are diagnosed. If you are uncertain about which parts you should be stocking, contact your equipment manufacturer for advice.

Manufacturers like Stärke will provide you with a comprehensive list of recommendations based on the parts and components that receive the greatest amount of wear, are likely to be damaged or abused by operators, or those that require regular maintenance or replacement. Remember to keep this in mind during the purchase process as many of these parts should be covered by factory warranty programs.

Keep Stärke in mind next time you need replacement parts for your forklift, regardless of the brand, as we stock parts for most makes and models of forklift. For a list of recommended parts for Stärke equipment, please contact us at 1-877-435-4352 or use the contact form on our websites: Canada | USA

www.starkeforklift.com   

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

Outfit your Forklift with New Attachments and Accessories from Stärke

Want to maximize the versatility of your forklift? Stärke Material Handling Group, a Canadian-owned and operated manufacturer, introduced a new line of branded forklift attachments and accessories to compliment one of the most comprehensive material handling equipment lineups in the industry. 

Hoppers

Stärke’s self-dumping hoppers are constructed of 7 or 10 gauge welded steel and are available in a wide range sizes from 1/2 to 6 cubic yards in capacity. Unloading is made easy with a precisely balanced design, which provides full forward motion and automatically returns the hopper to an upright position after a load is dumped.

Rotators

Stärke's corrosion resistant rotators are built for highly corrosive environments including applications in salt water fisheries and the food and beverage industry. Every component on these rotators are designed to resist and disperse corrosive liquids such as salt water and other acid fluids to improve durability while maintaining functionality. Notably, Stärke’s corrosion resistant rotators include a patented and replaceable nylon ring-gear bearing insert which replaces vulnerable ball or roller bearings and inner seals. 

With these additions to its product portfolio, which already includes a complete range of Class I-VI equipment, Stärke continues to establish itself as one of the most comprehensive material handling equipment manufacturers in the industry. For more information, visit our websites - Canada | USA - contact us toll-free at 1-877-435-4352 or send us an email at info@starkeforklift.com. 

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

Selecting the Right Type of Forklift Tire - Cushions vs. Pneumatics

Overall, there are three basic types of forklift tires: cushion, pneumatic air and solid pneumatic. Since each type of forklift tire is designed for specific usages and applications, there is a direct correlation between tire type and the overall design and dimensions of a forklift. The by-product of this relationship is a categorization system that identifies forklifts by tire type above other – seemingly more important – considerations. In accordance with this correlation, it is essential that potential buyers consider both their operating conditions and work environment during the purchasing process.

Designed for indoor applications, cushion tires are constructed of solid rubber attached to a round metal rim and have the smallest diameter of the three options. This corresponds to a smaller forklift chassis, lower ground clearance and a superior turning radius when compared to other models. In turn, this results in a more maneuverable forklift capable of operating in the narrow aisles and restrictive spacing typically found in indoor applications including manufacturing and distribution facilities, receiving docks and/or greenhouses.

Pneumatic forklift tires are larger and wider than solid cushion tires and are constructed of a treaded rubber exterior with an internal cavity filled with air or polyurethane foam. When combined with the added durability and ground clearance that result from these components, pneumatic forklift tires are the preferred option for heavy-duty and/or outdoor applications with rough, uneven terrain. Since forklifts are built without a suspension system, pneumatic tires also provide the operator with superior comfort by suppressing bumps and vibration, thereby decreasing operator fatigue and improving productivity.

Similar to pneumatic air tires, solid pneumatic tires are constructed of aggressively layered rubber with one distinct difference - the absence of a hollow internal cavity. Solid pneumatic tires are best viewed as a mix between the solid construction of a cushion tire and the durability of a pneumatic tire. The net effect of this combination is a forklift tire that is less susceptible to punctures or damage from sharp, irregular objects or debris typically found in storage facilities, lumber mills and scrap metal yards. This dynamic construction also ensures that solid pneumatic tires are more versatile than the other two tire types, enabling owners to utilize them in small to mid-sized operations with both indoor and outdoor applications.

For more information, advice, or a quote, please contact your nearest Stärke Material Handling Dealer with locations throughout Canada or the USA.

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

How Long Will Your Forklift Tires Last?

To date, no exact science or formula exists for determining how long a set of forklift tires will last. Rather, maintenance staff, mechanics and technicians must examine a number of factors to determine when it’s time to find a replacement set of tires. Several factors must be taken into consideration here, including the total number of operating hours and intensity of use, driving habits or operator style, application type (i.e., long runs without a load, excessive speed or rotation with a load), operating conditions, the tire type and compound, as well as the vehicle’s average load weight.

Note: these figures should be used as estimations only. Determining the exact amount of acceptable wear for a given tire depends upon the size of the tires and the conditions in which it is operated. To avoid accidents, injury or damage, regular tire inspections should be included as part of a vehicle`s monthly maintenance schedule.

Consider replacing pneumatic forklift tires after the outside diameter has worn approximately 2” to 3". With press on cushion tires, replacements should be considered after the outside diameter is worn by 1 1/2" or when 30-40% of the tire’s rubber is gone. Beyond tread wear, there are other signs to look for as an indication of overall tire wear including undercutting, chunking and chipping.

• Undercutting occurs as a result of overloading and sharp, aggressive steering. This causes the rubber to begin receding from the metal band at the center of the tire.
• Chunking, as the name suggests, is when large pieces or chunks of rubber detach from the surface of the tire. Common causes include collisions with objects, repetitive contact with debris or refuse, and driving over coarse/jagged terrain.
• Chipping refers to damage to the surface of the tire such as incisions, slashes, nicks, punctures, and divots. Like chunking, this is often caused when cushion tires are regularly operated on coarse or irregular surfaces. 

While your forklift tires can still be “operational” with significant wear, there are a number of benefits to replacing worn out or deteriorating forklift or lift truck tires. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, there are also financial, operational and productivity risks to take into consideration.  By avoiding the costs associated with replacing worn out forklift tires, owners can incur far greater maintenance fees down the road as the additional vibration, strain and shock placed on essential components can result in equipment failures, downtime and costly repairs. 

Worn tires also have an impact on your operation’s productivity and efficiency as the increased vibration, instability and stress can result in above average operator strain, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to control the vehicle. This, in turn, limits the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, speed, turning capacity, and stopping power.

For more information on forklift tires, pricing or availability, please contact your nearest Stärke Material Handling Dealer. Locations throughout Canada or the USA.

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352